Phillies 2025-2026 Hot Stove Discussion

[andyb]

There's no reason the Phillies couldn't be on that list above

Hey, we got the guy from the Japanese minors that throws 85 that we sent to Reading. Do you want an actual major leaguer or something?

[zambonir]

He's going on the Wall of Fame with the Korean pitchers and So Taguchi. But Tad Iguchi was great. Both those guys played in the Midwest too.

[allentown]

I draw the opposite conclusion from your assumptions. We can't have Schwarber for only 2026, and if there is a hard cap, then signing Schwarber to a 3-4 year big contract dooms the team beyond 2026. I keep hearing that our window is still open. Window for what>? If it is winning the NL East and making the playoffs, then yes, our window remains open. If it is a WS trip, I think our window has all but closed. We aren't in the same league as the Dodgers and as our team continues to age, the disparity will increase. I expect Schwarber to have a good offensive year next year, although a significant drop off from this season. Two years from now? Probably still plus offensively, but not worth his contract. Not much help to the team 3 and 4 years out and with a hard salary cap, his salary will be crippling.

[allentown]

Anyway, the Dodgers having three of 13 doesn't make them that special, it's more that they have three stars

Don't dismiss that. It's a very big deal. They have very big Japanese stars whom very few other teams in the league could even convince to seriously consider competitive contract offers. That gives access to A+ talent which the Phillies $ can't buy.

[phillychuck]

Phils can compete with anyone in the playoffs--once you get there, it’s a roll of the dice. Phils could have easily won the Dodgers’ series with a few different breaks. They do have an open window for a couple more years if they can dodge injuries (which is admittedly harder with an older team).